Vol. 566 No. 3
284 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will review the communications legislation covering the erection and removal of telegraph poles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12740/03]
The erection of telegraph poles is governed by the Planning and Development Act 2000, which is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Section 254 of that Act, as amended by the Communications Regulation Act 2002, provides, inter alia, that the erection of overground electronic communications infrastructure is subject to the grant of a licence by a planning authority.
As this provision has only been in force since 29 April 2002, I have no plans to seek a review of the legislation. Any amendment of the legislation would be primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
